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Stepping Out in Style

Hosiery manufacturing has come a long way. What originated as a basic leg stocking used mainly for warmth, is now one of the most widely used fashion accessories for women. There are limitless varieties of patterns, deniers and colours that are sure to satisfy and excite all hosiery enthusiasts.

As hemlines rose in the roaring 1920s, so did the need to protect and cover one’s legs. Silk stockings were introduced to women during one of the most significant periods in the history of the USA: on August 26, 1920, the Women’s Suffrage Battle was won and the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution became a law – women finally earned their right to vote.

Fashion movements are always influenced by politics and culture, so it isn’t surprising to learn this iconic style reflected women’s independence, our strength and most importantly, our femininity.

Original back seam stockings were literally sewn together, which explains the construction of the back seam up the leg.

During WWII, stockings were expensive and didn’t last. Cotton or wool ones were dowdy and rayon sagged. Due to the scarcity of them, women famously resorted to eyebrow pencils to draw seams up the backs of their legs. This is another testimony to the determination, resourcefulness and creativity of women and conversely, the psychological need to look feminine and attractive.

Looking at the picture of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell flaunting their back seam sheers in the iconic movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, it’s obvious they look sexy in the best possible way. They both look smart, strong, fun and independent. While some people will always argue to the contrary, women can be powerful and sexy at the same time. Perhaps we are not wearing our back seams with bodysuits and top hats, but we are wearing them with a gorgeous pencil skirt and a cashmere sweater.

Although you will want to keep the look as authentic as possible, sometimes it’s not always practical to wear suspenders and stockings. Hence the popular alternative is the Nude Cuban Heeled Pantyhose. They have great denier content, stretch to fit most and are sheer to waist pantyhose for ease and comfort during your everyday working life.

As with anything you spend money on, it’s important to take good care of your pantyhose and put them on with care ie: pantyhose should be rolled right down to the toe before putting on. Roll them on gently and ease them over the heel. Then roll them slowly up the leg and check that the seam is straight as you go. They should always be put on while the wearer is seated and with the legs lightly bent. As they are NOT fully fashioned stockings, do check from time to time while you are out that your seams are still straight and that you haven’t ‘stepped out of your heel’.

You can buy your pair today HERE from The Lindy Charm School For Girls.

The wait is over! Melbourne, look out – the Love Vintage & Retro Fair is coming your way May 16 - 18… then we’ll see you in Brisbane July 18 – 20 and in Sydney September 26 - 28. So mark your calendar!This issue has been perfectly timed so you can get excited about some of the vintage exhibitors you’ll see at the fair this year. Jason from Bleecker Street takes us to the vintage alleyways of Italy and France on a quest to find that to-die-for piece. And while we’re talking travel, if you’re thinking of having a New Zealand vintage experience, everything you need to know can be found in ‘Not So New’ Zealand. Get ‘up close and personal’ with Tara Moss for her vintage transformation at a recent styling workshop with Miss Chrissy. Go behind the scenes with movie costume designers Marian Boyce AND Gigi LePage. PLUS – be one of the first 500 through the fair doors in Melbourne to grab a special movie deal pass to Grace of Monaco starring Nicole Kidman (in cinemas this June).A couple of tickets to the Love Vintage and Retro Fair are the perfect Mother’s Day gift. At just $20 for two, get yours now (or get someone to buy them for you!). What are you waiting for?